Scottish Borders' £20m funding aims for 'biggest impact'

The council said it would now look at the areas which would benefit most from investment

A council leader has said work will aim to identify projects that would have the biggest impact on the Borders to share a £20m funding package.

The support was announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in his Autumn Statement.

The Levelling-Up Partnerships (LUP) will be formed in Dundee, the Western Isles and Argyll and Bute as well as the Scottish Borders.

Council leader Euan Jardine said the funds were welcome and would go to where they would have most effect.

He said they would now work with UK and Scottish governments as well as local organisations to identify the projects best suited for backing.

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"The aim of this initiative is to support regeneration in areas of most need and we look forward to welcoming the UK government's LUP team to help identify interventions which will have the biggest impact and to rapidly progress discussions with our communities and partners," he said.

"This process will allow us to identify the most effective projects to tackle some of the challenges we have here in the Borders and deliver the biggest impacts.

"This is very welcome investment into our area and will have a very positive impact in our communities."

In neighbouring Dumfries and Galloway, the town of Dumfries has already been awarded £20m of levelling-up funding.

At a recent meeting, councillors were urged to "keep the foot on the throttle" to ensure the funding was drawn down.

Do you live in the Borders? Where do you think would benefit from a share of the £20m investment to help regenerate the area? Email your thoughts to [e-mail].